The best camping near Kabetogama State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Kabetogama State Forest adventure.

100% (3 reviews)
100% (3 reviews)

Discover Kabetogama State Forest's natural beauty and outdoor activities.  

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Kabetogama State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Kabetogama State Forest

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(6)

Heitke Acres and Camping

3 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Leonidas, MN
We live on a beautiful 80 acre parcel of land in the Mesabi Iron Range. Our property is a mix of field, forest, swamp, and creek. We also have a beaver pond where numerous beavers, otters, and other animals have been seen. We regularly see wildlife from our window as well. Our property really is a great central location for multiple outdoor activities such as mountain biking, cross country skiing, downhill skiiing, snowshoeing, fishing, off roading, swimming beaches, and the Mesabi Trail. We are only 5 minutes south of Eveleth and about 10-15 minutes south of Virginia. If you want to have a day trip to Duluth, it is just under an hour! We have free range chickens, so you may hear a morning greeting from our rooster! Feel free to bring chicken treats for your kids and they can feed them all day long. If you camp in the spring, there is a good chance you might be able to cuddle some chicks. This spring we even had a couple of goslings! Come in June and you will be able to pick beautiful wildflower bouquets of buttercups, daisies, iris, and more! If you come in the middle of the summer, plan on bringing some berry buckets with you. You can pick wild raspberries and blueberries throughout the property. Wild raspberries are small, but packed with flavor. If you are really lucky, you might find a little patch of wild strawberries! Our woods are an excellent place to forage for wild, edible, plants and mushrooms. We have found numerous varieties of each on our property. If you are brave enough to camp during a Minnesota winter there is a good chance one of us will be around to take you on our snowshoe trails throughout the property. Last year we were able to pack 3 miles of trail and enjoyed hosting several friends and family out for a 'shoe and hot chocolate. We are close to many lakes and the St Louis River. We have ample room for you to park your boats, rec. vehicles and etc! Our little pocket of the Iron Range is paradise and we love to share it with others. We hope to see you soon!
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from 
$25
 / night
63%
(4)

Rat Root River Retreat

1 site · Tent100 acres · Kabetogama, MN
The beautiful forest has been in our family for 90 years.  My great grandfather farmed the land and raised 10 children on this land.  He also worked in the pulp and paper mills in nearby International Falls.  The original house is still there which is my grandfather's son and host of the property.  A short distance down the road, my grandfather's brother had a farm and raised 13 children.  Seeing the so many stars, witnessing the Northern lights, seeing wildlife in their natural habitat has provided joy to so many descendants that lived and visited this beautiful place.  Our family would like to share the peace and tranquility that one feels when being a part of nature as our family has experienced for so many years. Learn more about this land:Breath the fresh air of one of the beautiful forests of Northern Minnesota. Examine wildlife, backpack 3 miles to breathtaking Lake Kabetogama or north into wild Canada.  Pitch your tent anywhere to relax and get away from it all.  Perfect for deer hunters, fishing, backpacking, snowshoeing or cross country skiing.  Get off the grid to life with nature, view wildlife and experience the northern lights.  
Pets
Potable water
from 
$20
 / night

The best camping near Kabetogama State Forest guide

Overview

About

The Canoe is the ultimate boat to have in Kabetogama State Forest, which features the 25,000-acre Kabetogama Lake. Over 200 islands are scattered throughout the lake, making for one amazing island-hopping adventure! People often explore the waters by canoe for days, camping on different islands as they go.

This is a year-round forest, which undergoes a beautiful transformation when the temperatures begin to drop. The lake freezes over and ice fishers come out to play, along with snowmobilers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers. So, go have some fun, whatever the season!

Notable campgrounds

  • Walter Stark Horse Campground - A serene spot for equestrian lovers to camp and connect with nature.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your preferred campsite, especially during peak seasons.
  • Check for cancellations regularly as plans change and spots may open up.
  • Consider visiting during weekdays for better availability.
  • Explore nearby camping options for alternative accommodations.

When to go

The best time to visit Kabetogama State Forest is during the summer and fall when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Winter offers a snowy wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, though some amenities may be limited.

Know before you go

  • Check the latest park updates for any road or campsite improvements before your trip.
  • Be prepared for encounters with local wildlife by reviewing safety guidelines.
  • Accessibility may vary across different areas of the forest; inquire ahead for specific needs.
  • Remember to pack essentials as some amenities may not be available during construction.
  • Respect park regulations to preserve the natural habitat for future visitors.

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